My Feelings of Inadequacy are Brought to the Surface

Abstract

My first five treatment sessions with Dr Goldblatt dealt with one theme: ‘dependence and interdependence’. My traumatic holiday with Sue and Pat gave me first-hand experience. With Sue I experienced an unsatisfactory form of dependence. I needed her help, but because I could give her nothing in return, she felt as though I was using her. I felt frustrated and guilty. With Pat, on the other hand, our relationship differed. There was a real state of interdependence between us. She entered into my feelings of elation and she enjoyed having a good laugh with me. She was indeed lonely herself in her tiny village. My company was good for her. When I became depressed she sympathized with me, she understood what was going on in my mind and she understood the nature of Dr Goldblatt’s treatment. I had written to her every week, sharing my thoughts, my hopes, and my fears. I had quoted as accurately as I could many of Dr Goldblatt’s comments, and as a result Pat was confident in the way she comforted me when I fell into despair. She derived great satisfaction in being able to help me through those dangerous times.